About:
- Scientists used the cryomesh to freeze coral larvae at the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS).
- The Great Barrier reef coral has suffered four bleaching events in the last seven years including the first ever bleach during a La Nina phenomenon
What is Cryomesh?
- Cryomesh is a specially fabricated mesh used as substrate in cryopreservation. This is lightweight and can be manufactured cheaply. It better preserves coral and has the properties of cryoplates.
- The mesh technology will help store coral larvae at -196°C (-320.8°F).
Significance of Coral Cryopreservation –
- Cryogenically frozen coral can be stored and later reintroduced to the wild. This could eventually help to rewild reefs threatened by climate change.
- It can build a bigger, more diverse bank of frozen living corals, preserving biodiversity.
What are corals?
- Corals are animals which live in a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae (which live within the coral tissue).
- The zooxanthellae convert sunlight into food, providing corals with up to 90 per cent of their energy needs. They also give corals much of their colour.
